Every parent wishes to protect their child from birth so that they may benefit from the best care and services possible. Vaccines have the strongest evidence available. Vaccines offer protection against diseases which were once regular causes of death and disabilities in children, while still protecting them before they are exposed to their pathogens.It is necessary to know which vaccines to receive as you grow up, why they matter, and what to expect so you can follow the vaccination schedule without fear.
Vaccination starts on the first day of life. The Universal Immunisation Programme in India gives three vaccines at birth: the BCG vaccine, which combats tuberculosis; OPV-0, the first dose of oral polio vaccine; and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.These early doses reflect the diseases newborns are at risk for. Particularly, hepatitis B can be passed on by the mother to her child during giving birth and, as such, undergoing the birth dose becomes very crucial in preventing perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.
Vaccination starts on the first day of life. The Universal Immunisation Programme in India gives three vaccines at birth: the BCG vaccine, which combats tuberculosis; OPV-0, the first dose of oral polio vaccine; and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.These early doses reflect the diseases newborns are at risk for. Particularly, hepatitis B can be passed on by the mother to her child during giving birth and, as such, undergoing the birth dose becomes very crucial in preventing perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.
The MR-1 vaccine, which protects against measles and rubella, is administered at nine months with the first dose of Vitamin A. Following this, fifteen months after the first MR-1 vaccination, the MMR vaccine will be administered, along with PCV and varicella vaccines.From sixteen to twenty-four months, the DPT booster, the second MR dose, and the OPV booster will be administered, ensuring immunity from the first vaccinations remains strong until it naturally declines.
Childhood immunisation significantly reduces the incidence of many bacterial infections that require treatment. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, ear infections, and meningitis.Many infections cannot be contracted if immunisations against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Bordetella pertussis are conducted.The vaccination program limits the incidence of early childhood diseases treated with antibiotics. This has clinical value, as antibiotic overuse can drive resistance and complicate treatment of other bacterial infections in the population.
As a child starts school, he will receive booster shots to revive the immunity obtained in the primary series. A DPT booster and an OPV booster are given as part of routine vaccination.Private vaccination schedules often use a combined booster for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, with reduced antigens compared to the original vaccines.Boostrix Injection is a diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccine that contains lower amounts of antigen and is given to children over four years old, as well as adolescents and adults.The low antigen dose helps the already developed immune system build immunity with minimal antigen input. The vaccine is injected into the muscle only once.
When children are about ten years old, they receive a Td booster that includes tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, which protects them until adolescence. If a child hasn’t been immunised against hepatitis A virus previously, vaccination against it will take place during the same period.For the prevention of cervical cancer, immunization with HPV can begin for girls starting at the age of nine; the appropriate time for vaccination is before any possibility of exposure.
Following the vaccination schedule consistently from birth requires a few practical habits:
Use the vaccination visit as an opportunity for developmental evaluation, growth tracking, and discussion of health concerns.Pediatricians can more easily identify developmental delays, malnutrition, and health issues early by assessing children at each vaccine appointment rather than waiting for parents to arrive with health complaints.
From birth to age 10, the childhood vaccination schedule is the most reliable and scientifically proven health intervention ever. Its development is based on the immune system's biological mechanisms, and its timing is informed by infection risk.For parents, adhering to the vaccine schedule, ensuring booster shots are administered, and keeping vaccination records up to date is the most effective strategy for protecting their child's health during the first ten years of life.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified paediatrician for vaccination scheduling, catch-up guidance, and advice specific to your child's health status.